Pleasant Ranch

Perhaps the greatest scientific contribution that Canada has made to the entire world is that of the electric wheelchair. Developed by Dr. George Johann Klein in the 1950s, this has been considered as a wonder invention in the field.

Dr. Klein integrated the opinions of patients, doctors, electronic engineers and scientists, before making this useful invention. His efforts were supported by the National Research Council of Canada, Canadian Paraplegic Association and the state’s Department of Veteran Affairs.

Wheelchairs before electric wheelchairs were mainly designed for paraplegic persons. But Dr. Klein’s creation had so many more features than a normal wheelchair. This wheelchair not only works for paraplegic people but it can also be used by quadriplegics. Its invention was very near to World War 2 so it made a great contribution to the Red Cross, and helped thousands of injured people.

The electric powered wheelchair can be used not only by paraplegics and quadriplegics; doctors now advise patients with cardiovascular problems to use them. The wheelchair has become customized. It is equipped to be used both indoors and outdoors. Some wheelchairs are portable.

The electric wheelchair is regulated by means of joysticks; puff/sip controls or chin controls. Besides controlling the speed, direction and such other parameters, the electric wheelchair can be made to perform the essential functional motions and movements such as tilting and stretching out which would not have been possible otherwise.

The price of an electric powered wheelchair can be immense. The prices range from $1000 to $3000 for ordinary models while advanced models can cost $10,000 or more. They also may need frequent upkeep and repair work done. These are some of the disadvantages that electric wheelchairs present.

Are you shopping for an electric power wheelchair? If so, head over to the electric wheelchairs web site.